News

AEJ welcomes appointment of new OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

Saturday, July 22, 2017

The Association of European Journalists warmly welcomes the appointment
of Harlem Désir, a former French minister for European Affairs and
president of SOS Racisme, as the OSCE’s new Representative on Media
Freedom. The decision was taken by consensus by the OSCE’s Ministerial
Council
on Tuesday,
at the same times as the announcement of new appointments for the posts
of OSCE Secretary-General, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and
Human Rights, and OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.

AEJ
Media Freedom Representative and Vice-President William Horsley said:
‘This appointment will be especially welcomed by journalists and all
concerned about media freedom and the physical safety of journalists at
risk across Europe, as it follows a period of hiatus since the ending of
the term of office of the previous Representative on Freedom of the
Media, Dunja Mijatovic… The independent mandate of the Representative on
Freedom of the Media, to provide early warnings and help States to
fulfil their commitments to free media and freedom of expression, is
vitally necessary now in the face of the well-documented and growing
threats of violence, intimidation and arbitrary exclusion or
imprisonment faced by journalists in many parts of Europe.’

"Media freedom came under growing threat in several
OSCE-countries. Therefore we welcome that the vacancy at this position is over.
Harlem Désir has shown a deep commitment to media freedom during his
career", said Otmar Lahodynsky, International President of AEJ.
"Soyez les bienvenus à Vienne!"